Mortar-Style Devices Found in El Centro Shed Safely Neutralized by Bomb Squad

EL CENTRO — A report of potential explosive devices prompted a response from local authorities on Saturday afternoon, May 3, after two mortar-style items were discovered in a shed behind a residence in the 800 block of Scott Avenue.

According to a press release issued by the El Centro Police Department, officers were dispatched to the property at approximately 4 p.m. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the reporting party and confirmed the presence of two suspicious devices inside a box located in a rear shed on the premises.

Sgt. Omar Mandujano with ECPD told KYMA news "They didn't know if it was active or inactive but the resident who used to live there was a war veteran that no longer resides there...and they believed it might have been active,"

As a precaution, a safety perimeter was established and nearby homes were temporarily evacuated. The El Centro Fire Department and the Imperial County Fire Department Bomb Squad responded to assist with the situation.

The bomb squad successfully rendered the devices safe, and no injuries or property damage were reported. The area was declared secure shortly after the operation, and evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Police say the devices were not active and the Bomb Squad successfully removed and destroyed them